Message From the Executive Director and CEO, Spring 2022

Dear 1199SEIU Members,

Spring is upon us! I hope it brings breathing space for you—time to focus on yourself, for a moment. You deserve it, having given your all on the frontlines of healthcare throughout the pandemic. Please take the time now to check in with yourself, especially regarding your health and wellness.

This issue of For Your Benefit is designed to help you do just that, with resources and tips for your physical, mental and financial well-being. Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Van H. Dunn, has important information to share about the best ways to check in and stay on track.

When things get overwhelming for you or your loved ones, know that we are expanding the array of mental health resources available to support you. Taking care of your emotional well-being is as important to your physical health as it is to your mental health. We all suffer from stress, anxiety and depression at different times in our lives, and it is well documented in the medical community that this can lead to heart attacks, strokes, chronic conditions and death.

Spring is upon us! I hope it brings breathing space for you — a time to focus on yourself, for a moment. Having given your all on the frontlines of healthcare, you deserve it.

This issue includes a few guidelines for understanding when help is needed and how to get it. I encourage you to reach out and get support when you need it. Also in this issue, you’ll hear from member Malikah Weston, who shares her inspiring account of how she coped during the pandemic and survived a major health crisis.

You’ll also find tips for staying on top of the health screenings and measures that can help you prevent or manage common chronic illnesses. And because staying healthy depends on your financial well-being, too, we’re providing updates about upcoming webinars that can help you better manage your money.

Stress increases the risk of developing various chronic and other health conditions, including heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. Mayo Clinic

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge an important transition within the Family of Funds. Vivian Fox has retired after 16 years of unparalleled leadership as the Executive Director of the Child Care Funds and President of the 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation. We will miss her dearly, and we are heartened that she is leaving the funds in the expert hands of Rossmery Dais, who was most recently Deputy Executive Director.  Please join me in thanking Ms. Fox for her years of leadership and in welcoming Ms. Dais to her new role!


Sincerely,
Donna Rey, EdD
Executive Director and CEO
1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds